Ninjutsu (Juniors)

Kenjutsu

Jiu-Jitsu

Quick Overview

Takagi Yoshin ryu compared to the other schools in the Bujinkan, has very few similarities, as do the other schools. The Dai Nihon Bugei Ryu Ha says that a series of techniques which were in the future years to become known as the Takagi Ryu, were put together by a wandering Toaist monk called Sounryu in 1569. He lived in Rikuzen Funagawa not far from Sanroku mountain. Takagi ryu techniques were made up from Taijutsu, Bojutsu, and Shuriken. The school passed on to Umannosuke Shigetada Takagi. Umannosuke started to study under Oriuemon in 1671 when he too was 16, adding many new techniques from the Jujutsu school Takauchi Ryu. He however taught the school as Takagi Ryu Dakentaijutsu, Bojutsu, Sojutsu, Naginatajutsu, and Senban Nage. In 1695 he was recognised by the Emperor as a high class martial artist. He died 26 April 1711.

Gennoshin Higeshige was the son of Umannosuke and changed the name to Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu. He taught in Hyogo prefecture. Ohukuni Shigenobu was an expert in Kukishinden Ryu, he was invited to stay and teach his system to the Takagi Yoshin Ryu by Gennoshin. Gennoshin became ill and died on 2nd October 1746. He asked Ohkuni to continue the original teachings in the new way that they had created together. Ohkuni then renamed the school Hon Tai Takagi Yoshin Ryu.

Characteristics

Most famous in the Bujinkan as a "Bodyguard School" with fast and effective jujutsu techniques, and daishosabaki (jujutsu while wearing both swords in the belt). Other techniques are based around bojutsu. It has been mixed with sumo techniques, Takenouchi Ryu jujutsu and others. Takagi Yoshin Ryu has been handed down together with Kukishinden Ryu for generations. The Takagi Yoshin Ryu uses many techniques that appear similar to judo or aikido, but goes further in that when the techniques are applied it's made difficult for the opponent to escape by rolling or breakfalling. These are very close quarter techniques with the opponent held close - a result of the techniques being developed in buildings. Students are taught to use speed, look the opponent in the eyes and use their impulse and weight. Also translated as "Heart of the Willow Tree School".